STATE — Rabies infested raccoons have been found in two counties in Maryland.
A raccoon was found in Anne Arundel County Department near the intersection of Ogleton Road and Queen Anne Circle in the Annapolis Roads Community. The raccoon was found on October 30 and has tested positive for rabies.
According to the Carroll County Health Department, a second raccoon in Westminster has tested positive for the rabies virus.
The raccoon was killed by two dogs on Poole Road west of 97, near Stoner Avenue, on October 28.
Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible. The Department of Health advises county residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.
Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon or bat. It is also spread when the infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.
The Health Department is asking that anyone who may have interacted with these raccoons, or thinks a child or pet could have been exposed to these raccoons, to call the Health Department at 410-876-1884 for more information and a risk assessment.
To get a free fact sheet on rabies, call 410-222-7256.
